Back in May 2025, fans and collectors were buzzing when an auction house put several rare artifacts from The Wiz up for sale. Among the pieces were unique production items tied to the film’s unforgettable visual world and its legendary cast. Now, some of those treasures are getting a second moment in the spotlight, this time as part of a curated exhibition in New York City.
A new exhibition called ‘Showstoppers: The Art of Stage and Screen’ presented by Helicline Fine Art in Manhattan is bringing together a fascinating collection of theatrical and cinematic design history, and it includes pieces connected to the beloved 1978 musical film that featured Michael Jackson in one of his earliest movie roles.
Helicline Fine Art, a private gallery located in Midtown West, has assembled 45 art pieces spanning from the 1920s through the 1990s. The exhibition focuses on a side of Broadway and film history that audiences rarely get to see: the artistry behind costume and production design.
For Michael Jackson fans, the exhibition holds a special treat. Two items related to The Wiz, which previously surfaced during the 2025 auction, are now on display.
One is a striking bronze work created by production designer Tony Walton (1934–2002):
Michael Jackson Costume Sculpture – “The Wiz”
Bronze
12 1/2 × 6 × 3 1/2 inches
The sculpture captures the stylized costume design connected to Michael Jackson’s role as the Scarecrow, offering a rare glimpse into the conceptual work behind the film’s visual identity.
Also featured are original costume design prints for the movie:
The Wiz Film Costume Designs
7 prints featuring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Richard Pryor
Lithograph on paper (1975)
These prints showcase the bold, imaginative designs that helped give The Wiz its distinctive look, blending fantasy, fashion, and the vibrant aesthetic of 1970s musical cinema.
The exhibition is currently running at Helicline Fine Art in Midtown West and will remain open through May 10, 2026. Because the gallery operates privately, visits are available by appointment only, either in person or via Zoom. Interestingly, many of the works in the exhibition are also available for purchase, giving collectors a chance to own a piece of Broadway and film history.
If you happen to be in New York, this exhibition offers a rare chance to step behind the curtain and explore the artistry that helped shape one of the most unique musical films of its time.
- Helicline Fine Art, Midtown West, New York City
- Through May 10, 2026
